Obituary of Bernard D. McAvay

Bernard "Bernie" Donald McAvay, 82, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed after a long illness at his home, on January 26, 2016. Bernie was born on September 4, 1933 in New Britain, CT to the late Bernard Vincent McAvay and Mary Hayden McAvay. Bernie is survived by his two sisters, Mrs. Ann Matteis and her husband, Richard of New Hartford, CT and Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith and her husband, Paul of Niantic, CT, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members and friends. Bernard was preceded in death by his first wife Harriet Reddick McAvay and by his second wife, Dorothy "Dottie" Louise McAvay. Bernie was a graduate of The Salisbury School and Morse Business School. For 46 years he was employed by Spring And Buckley Inc., becoming a partner for the last 25 years with William A. Hayden. For many years Bernie and Dottie were Snow Birds to Arizona. They lived in Farmington, CT during summer months and Scottsdale, Arizona during the winter. Bernie loved playing golf and was a longtime member of the Shuttle Meadow Club and the Desert Forest Country Club of Scottsdale, Arizona for over 25 years. Upon retirement, Bernie made his permanent home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was a faithful contributor to many city, state and nation wide relief organizations. Bernie also served his country for two years in the United States Army. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday (Feb. 4, 2016) at 10:00 at St. Patrick's Church 110 Main St. Farmington. Bernie will be laid to rest in his family plot at St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospital of Central Conecticut, in New Britain, 100 Grand St. New Britain, CT 06050 or to Barton House-1 Senior Living Facility, located at 7001 E. Mountain View Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 (480) 602-2898